Orange County, CA · Pacific Ocean

Bolsa Chica State Beach

17851 Pacific Coast Hwy, Huntington Beach, CA 92649

Three miles of state beach between Huntington and Sunset — quieter than Huntington Beach proper, fire rings allowed in the evening (a rare SoCal beach allowing this), and the Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve salt marsh across the highway is a top California birdwatching site.

Eats & Drinks 2 Shops 2

Today's Conditions

Ideal for a beach walk.

NWS alert active · 74°F water · 84°F air

Full NWS forecast for Today

Sunny, with a high near 84. Northwest wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.

Tonight

Mostly clear, with a low around 64. North wind 0 to 5 mph.

Weather

84°F air — ideal beach weather
Sunny skies — clear conditions

Water

74°F water — swimmable, refreshing

Safety

NWS alert active — small craft advisory issued november 7 at 7:07am pst until november 7 at 3:00pm pst by nws los angeles/oxnard ca

72 /100

great

60 Swim

84 Sunbathe

87 Walk

83 Photo

Best for walking today

Water level 0.6 ft above predicted

Observed water level is running higher than the astronomical tide prediction. Expect a narrower beach, faster-rising water, and stronger near-shore currents than the tide chart suggests.

NOAA station 9410660 · Observed 4.69 ft · Predicted 4.13 ft

Small Craft Small Craft Advisory

Small Craft Advisory issued November 7 at 7:07AM PST until November 7 at 3:00PM PST by NWS Los Angeles/Oxnard CA

NWS · In effect through Nov 7, 3:00 PM

Full NWS statement

* WHAT...Hazardous sea conditions. * WHERE...Inner waters from Point Mugu to San Mateo Pt. CA including Santa Catalina and Anacapa Islands. * WHEN...Until 3 PM PST this afternoon. * IMPACTS...Conditions will be hazardous to small craft. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...See the Coastal Waters Forecast (CWFLOX) for more.

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Atmosphere

Air Temp

84°F

Sunny

Wind

5 to 10 mph

Rain

Today

Air Quality

26 Good

PM2.5 (fine particles) · Central Orange

UV Peak

3 Moderate

Peaks 12 PM · burn in ~67m

Burn-free before 11 AM & after 01 PM

Tomorrow

84°F

Sunny

Water

Water Temp

74°F

Swimming weather

Next High Tide

8:22 PM

4.3 ft · in 1.8h

Wave Height

2.6 ft

14s · SW swell

Sun & Moon

Sunrise

6:16 AM

Sunset

4:55 PM

Moon · 5%

Waning Crescent

Spring tides — bigger range

Tides

Time	Type	Height
1:03 AM	Low	1.3 ft
7:21 AM	High	6.2 ft
2:11 PM	Low	-0.2 ft
8:22 PM	High	4.3 ft

Time	Type	Height
1:30 AM	Low	1.7 ft
7:47 AM	High	6.3 ft
2:47 PM	Low	-0.4 ft
9:05 PM	High	4.1 ft

Time	Type	Height
1:55 AM	Low	2.0 ft
8:12 AM	High	6.3 ft
3:23 PM	Low	-0.4 ft
9:48 PM	High	3.9 ft

Time	Type	Height
2:20 AM	Low	2.3 ft
8:38 AM	High	6.2 ft
3:59 PM	Low	-0.3 ft
10:33 PM	High	3.6 ft

Time	Type	Height
2:44 AM	Low	2.6 ft
9:06 AM	High	6.0 ft
4:38 PM	Low	-0.2 ft
11:24 PM	High	3.5 ft

Time	Type	Height
3:07 AM	Low	2.8 ft
9:36 AM	High	5.7 ft
5:22 PM	Low	0.1 ft

Time	Type	Height
12:29 AM	High	3.3 ft
3:29 AM	Low	3.1 ft
10:09 AM	High	5.4 ft
6:13 PM	Low	0.4 ft

High/low predictions from NOAA station 9410660, refreshed on every build. Times shown local.

7-Day Beach Day Forecast

Today Nov 7

84°

Sunny

Sun Nov 8

84°

Sunny

Mon Nov 9

82°

Sunny

Tue Nov 10

81°

Sunny

Wed Nov 11

80°

Sunny

Thu Nov 12

77°

Sunny then Slight Chance Rain Showers

15%

Fri Nov 13

74°

Mostly Sunny

13%

What to Bring Today

recommended SPF 30 sunscreen clear day + warm temps
recommended Umbrella or shade warm day, light wind
optional Swimsuit - water is swimmable Water is 74°F

Always remember water bottle, trash bag (leave no trace).

Beach Info

Parking

State lots along PCH; $15/day.

Dogs

Dogs prohibited on the beach.

Entry Fee

$15/vehicle.

Address

17851 Pacific Coast Hwy, Huntington Beach, CA 92649

Amenities

lifeguardsrestroomsshowersfire ringscampground (Sunset Beach side)wildlife reserve nearby

Frequently Asked

Is it safe to swim at Bolsa Chica State Beach today?

Bolsa Chica State Beach shows a live water-quality reading (bacteria levels) and today's swim-safety score at the top of this page, refreshed on every update. Seasonal lifeguards patrol the swim area in summer — follow their flags. Always review the current advisories, surf, and rip-current notes before getting in the water.

Is Bolsa Chica State Beach dog-friendly?

Dogs prohibited on the beach.

Is there an entry fee at Bolsa Chica State Beach?

$15/vehicle.

Are there lifeguards at Bolsa Chica State Beach?

Yes. Seasonal lifeguards patrol Bolsa Chica State Beach during the summer swim season (typically Memorial Day through Labor Day). Outside that window, swim at your own risk.

What amenities are at Bolsa Chica State Beach?

Amenities at Bolsa Chica State Beach include lifeguards, restrooms, showers, fire rings, campground (Sunset Beach side), wildlife reserve nearby.

When is the water warmest at Bolsa Chica State Beach?

The Pacific is cold. Southern California (San Diego to Santa Barbara) peaks in August at 65-72°F. Central and Northern California stay in the upper 50s to low 60s year-round. Oregon and Washington rarely exceed 60°F. Wetsuits are common.

Where is Bolsa Chica State Beach located?

Bolsa Chica State Beach is in Orange County, CA, at 17851 Pacific Coast Hwy, Huntington Beach, CA 92649.